New Delhi, April 3 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sharply criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) following the dismissal of Raghav Chadha from his position as Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva has accused Arvind Kejriwal of governing the party in an 'authoritarian' style.

In an interview with IANS, Sachdeva stated that although the appointment or removal of a Deputy Leader is typically an internal affair for a party, the way this decision was executed raises significant questions regarding democratic practices.

"The removal of a Deputy Leader of the Rajya Sabha is a political party's internal choice, and every party has the right to make such decisions. However, the instructions issued by the AAP to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, preventing Raghav Chadha from speaking and denying him time to address the House, is fundamentally undemocratic," Sachdeva remarked.

He further pointed out that every Member of Parliament, regardless of their party, holds a moral obligation to voice their opinions on matters affecting their constituents, society, and the nation.

"Any MP, no matter their affiliation, must communicate in Parliament based on their beliefs. Stifling someone's voice undermines democratic values," he added.

In a pointed critique of Kejriwal, the BJP leader claimed that the AAP Chief is intolerant of dissent both within and outside his party.

"This indicates authoritarianism on the part of Arvind Kejriwal, as he is a fearful and weak individual who cannot tolerate opposition, whether from within his party or externally, particularly from those willing to speak up," Sachdeva stated.

He also expressed that Chadha's removal is part of a larger trend within AAP, where assertive leaders are gradually marginalized.

"From discarding Anna Hazare to sidelining Prashant Bhushan, pushing Yogendra Yadav aside, to removing Ashutosh and silencing Swati Maliwal—now it's Raghav Chadha's turn," he noted.

Sachdeva accused Kejriwal of preferring to surround himself with individuals who align with his political interests rather than those who exhibit independent thought or skills.

"My message to Raghav Chadha is that he should have been more vigilant. He has formed strong connections with individuals who are not competent," the Delhi BJP President added.

In another statement, Sachdeva suggested that Kejriwal feels threatened by talented leaders within his own party.

"Whether Raghav Chadha is working for the BJP or not, what I’m saying is that Arvind Kejriwal fears competence," he concluded.